Briefing

How Europe’s oil addiction funds the Russian military

October 1, 2018

Electric and hydrogen cars rely on renewable electricity that the EU can produce locally. But, instead, fossil-fuelled cars are driving Europe's addiction to oil. Crude oil and petroleum products represent around a third of the EU’s total energy consumption. The EU imports around 90% of the oil it needs and this share is expected to rise in the future. Two-thirds of the EU’s oil is used in transport.

Download the briefing

Around a third of the oil used in Europe is bought from Russia and this is forecast to rise in the next decade. Around 70% of Russia’s oil production is sold in Europe. Each time we fill our tanks, we are sending about €7 to Russia. This analysis details how rising oil demand in Europe has funded increases in Russian military expenditure over the last decade.

View All

Briefing

Grid connection at European ports and airports: solutions to accelerate transport electrification

Imagine buying an electric van for your business, then discovering the cable connecting it to the grid won't be installed for another ten years. That,...

September 30, 2026

Press Release

Driving an EV now costs half as much as diesel, new analysis shows

Diesel drivers in Europe are paying €32 more at the pump than at the beginning of the war in Iran. As Europe’s leaders meet in Brussels to discuss how...

September 29, 2026